Key facts
- Astana, the world's second-coldest capital, has endured two record-breaking heatwaves this summer.
- Temperatures in Astana reached 39.5°C on July 14, surpassing a previous record set just weeks earlier.
- Across Kazakhstan, temperatures have reached up to 48°C, with heat expected to persist.
- Experts warn of increased health, water, and food security risks due to climate change in Central Asia.
- Kazakhstan does not currently track heat-related mortality separately, and lacks a fully aligned national Heat-Health Action Plan.
Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan and the world's second-coldest capital city, is currently experiencing unprecedented heatwaves, with temperatures reaching record highs. On July 14, the city recorded 39.5°C, shattering the previous record for the date. This follows another record-breaking heatwave on June 23, when temperatures hit 36.8°C. The extreme heat is not confined to Astana; across Kazakhstan, temperatures have soared as high as 48°C in the south, and the National Hydrometeorological Service expects this trend to continue through the end of July.
Experts warn that these extreme weather events are indicative of a broader climate change trend that is significantly increasing health, water, and food security risks throughout Central Asia. According to UNICEF, nearly three-quarters of Kazakhstan is vulnerable to climate-related health impacts. A World Bank report projects that heat-related deaths in cities across Europe and Central Asia could triple by 2050 if stronger adaptation measures are not implemented. However, Kazakhstan currently does not collect specific national data on heat-related mortality, nor does it have a comprehensive national Heat-Health Action Plan aligned with WHO recommendations, although some public warnings and health advice are in place.
Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, has cautioned that Central Asia faces a steep rise in heatwave-related mortality, stating, "Sadly, it will get worse." He urged governments to establish heat-health action plans before the summer season begins, noting that countries with such plans have seen a reduction in excess heat-related deaths by approximately 25%. The cost of inaction is particularly high for Central Asia, where limited access to cooling and rural populations exacerbate the risks.
Kazakhstan is warming at a rate faster than the global average, with 2025 recorded as its warmest year on record. This warming trend increases the frequency of days with temperatures above 30°C and 35°C, raising the risk of drought and wildfires. The changing climate also affects water resources, with earlier snowmelt leading to spring floods and reduced water availability later in the season. Milder winters impact soil moisture, potentially affecting crop yields. Experts attribute the rapid warming in the region to its inland location. Glaciers in Kazakhstan have already lost a significant portion of their mass, and by the end of the century, depleted glacier reserves are expected to cause severe water shortages, impacting water, food, and energy security across Central Asia. For Kazakhstan, a major wheat exporter, these conditions pose a threat to agricultural output and regional food security.